Apparatus and method for axially transferring fluids to a plurality of components

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for axially transferring fluid may comprise an elongated shaft defining a first fluid passageway axially therethrough and a second fluid passageway from an outer surface thereof to the first fluid passageway. An elongated tube member defines an outer surface that is received within the first fluid passageway and a third fluid passageway axially therethrough. A plurality of axial channels are defined between the tube member and the first fluid passageway or along the tube member separately from the third fluid passageway. At least one of the plurality of axial channels define a first opening near one end thereof that receives fluid from a source of fluid and a second opening axially spaced apart from the first opening and that aligns with the second fluid passageway such that fluid may be transferred by the at least one fluid passageway from the source of fluid through the second fluid passageway.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/265,717, filed Nov. 5, 2008, which is incorporated herein bythis reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to structures and techniques fortransferring fluids from one or more points to one or more other pointsalong an elongated path, and more specifically to structures andtechniques for axially transferring fluids to a plurality of components.

BACKGROUND

It is generally known to control certain types of actuators usingpressurized fluid. As one specific example, it is generally known tocontrol friction devices, e.g., clutches, in automatic transmissionsusing pressurized fluid. It is desirable in such applications totransfer fluid from one or more points in or into an apparatus or systemto one or more other points in such an apparatus or system. It isfurther desirable to axially transfer such fluids in an apparatus orsystem along an elongated path to a plurality of components of theapparatus or system.

SUMMARY

The present invention may comprise one or more of the features recitedin the attached claims, and/or one or more of the following features andcombinations thereof. An apparatus for axially transferring fluid maycomprise an elongated shaft defining a first fluid passageway axiallytherethrough and a second fluid passageway from an outer surface thereofto the first fluid passageway. An elongated tube member may define anouter surface and a third fluid passageway axially therethrough. Theouter surface of the tube member may be configured to be received withinthe first fluid passageway of the shaft. A plurality of axial channelsmay be defined between the tube member and the first fluid passageway ordefined by and along the tube member separately from the third fluidpassageway. At least one of the plurality of axial channels may define afirst opening near one end thereof that receives fluid from a source offluid and a second opening axially spaced apart from the first openingand that aligns with the second fluid passageway such that fluid can beaxially transferred by the at least one fluid passageway from the sourceof fluid through the second fluid passageway defined through the shaft.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus foraxially transferring fluid includes an elongated shaft defining a firstfluid passageway axially therethrough, a second fluid passagewayextending through the elongated shaft from an outer surface of theelongated shaft into the first fluid passageway, and an elongated memberdefining a third fluid passageway axially therethrough. The elongatedmember is received within the first fluid passageway of the elongatedshaft. The apparatus also includes a fourth fluid passageway extendingthrough the elongated shaft from an outer surface of the elongated shaftinto the first fluid passageway. The fourth fluid passageway is axiallyspaced from the second fluid passageway and receives fluid from a sourceof fluid. The apparatus also includes a plurality of channels defined byand extending axially along the elongated tube member separate from thethird fluid passageway or the first fluid passageway between an innersurface of the first fluid passageway and an outer surface of theelongated tube member. One of the plurality of channels defines a firstopening near one end thereof that aligns with the fourth passageway anda second opening axially spaced from the first opening that aligns withthe second fluid passageway such that fluid can be axially transferredby the one of the plurality of channels from the first opening throughthe second fluid passageway defined through the elongated shaft.

The apparatus may include a manifold that defines a fifth fluidpassageway having one end configured to be fluidly coupled to the sourceof fluid and an opposite end fluidly coupled to the fourth fluidpassageway such that fluid from the source of fluid can flow through thefifth fluid passageway to the at least one of the plurality of channels.At least a portion of the elongated tube member may be received withinthe manifold. The elongated shaft and/or the elongated tube member maybe rotatable relative to the manifold. The manifold may be stationary.The elongated shaft may define a sixth fluid passageway separate fromthe second fluid passageway and extending through the elongated shaftfrom an outer surface of the elongated shaft into the first fluidpassageway, wherein another one of the plurality of channels defines afirst opening near one end thereof that receives fluid from the sourceof fluid and a second opening axially spaced apart from the firstopening of the another one of the plurality of channels that aligns withthe sixth fluid passageway such that fluid can be axially transferred bythe another one of the plurality of channels from the first opening ofthe another one of the plurality of channels to one or more componentsof an automatic transmission through the sixth fluid passageway definedthrough the elongated shaft. The one or more components of an automatictransmission may include a torque transmitting mechanism coupled to theelongated shaft.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus foraxially transferring fluid includes a first elongated member having anouter surface and an inner surface spaced from the outer surface. Thefirst elongated member defines a first fluid passageway axiallytherethrough. The apparatus also includes a second elongated memberreceived within the first elongated member and defining a second fluidpassageway axially therethrough. The second elongated member also has anouter surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the firstelongated member cooperates with the outer surface of the secondelongated member to define a plurality of channels extendinglongitudinally along at least one of the first and second elongatedmembers. Each of the plurality of channels is located between the outersurface of the first elongated member and the inner surface of thesecond elongated member. The apparatus also includes a first openingdefined in one of the first and second elongated members, which isconfigured to fluidly couple the apparatus to a fluid source, and asecond opening defined in one of the first and second elongated members,which is configured to receive fluid transferred from the first openingthrough one of the plurality of channels.

The second opening may be configured to fluidly couple the apparatus toone or more components of an automatic transmission. The first andsecond openings may be defined in the first elongated member. The firstopening may be defined in the second elongated member and the secondopening may be defined in the first elongated member.

The apparatus may include a fourth fluid passageway coupling the firstopening to the fluid source. The fourth fluid passageway may be locatedwithin the first fluid passageway. The fourth fluid passageway may belocated adjacent the outer surface of the first elongated member. Theplurality of channels may be arranged symmetrically or asymmetricallyabout one of the first and second elongated members. The first and/orthe second elongated member may have a substantially circularcross-section or a non-circular cross-section.

A longitudinal portion of the inner surface of the first elongatedmember may be joined to a longitudinal portion of the outer surface ofthe second elongated member to define one of the plurality of channels.The apparatus may include an elongated shaft defining a boretherethrough, wherein the first and second elongated members are locatedwithin the bore defined by the elongated shaft. In the apparatus, thefirst elongated member may define a bore therethrough and the secondelongated member may be located within the bore defined by the firstelongated member.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an apparatusfor axially transferring fluid includes an elongated shaft defining afirst fluid passageway axially therethrough, a second fluid passagewayextending through the elongated shaft from an outer surface of theelongated shaft into the first fluid passageway, an elongated memberdefining a third fluid passageway axially therethrough, the elongatedmember received within the first fluid passageway of the elongatedshaft, a fourth fluid passageway extending through the elongated shaftfrom an outer surface of the elongated shaft into the first fluidpassageway, the fourth fluid passageway being axially spaced from thesecond fluid passageway, the fourth fluid passageway being configured toreceive fluid from a source of fluid, and a plurality of channelsdefined by and extending axially along one of the elongated tube memberseparate from the third fluid passageway and the first fluid passagewaybetween an inner surface of the first fluid passageway and an outersurface of the elongated tube member, one of the plurality of channelsdefining a first opening near one end thereof that aligns with thefourth passageway and a second opening axially spaced from the firstopening and that aligns with the second fluid passageway such that fluidcan be axially transferred by the one of the plurality of channels fromthe first opening through the second fluid passageway defined throughthe elongated shaft.

The apparatus may include a manifold defining a fifth fluid passagewayhaving one end configured to be fluidly coupled to the source of fluidand an opposite end fluidly coupled to the fourth fluid passageway suchthat fluid from the source of fluid can flow through the fifth fluidpassageway to the at least one of the plurality of channels. Theelongated tube member or a portion thereof may be received within themanifold. The elongated shaft and/or the elongated tube member mayrotatable relative to the manifold. The manifold may be stationary.

The elongated shaft may define a sixth fluid passageway separate fromthe second fluid passageway and extending through the elongated shaftfrom an outer surface of the elongated shaft into the first fluidpassageway, and another one of the plurality of channels may define afirst opening near one end thereof that receives fluid from the sourceof fluid and a second opening axially spaced apart from the firstopening of the another one of the plurality of channels that aligns withthe sixth fluid passageway such that fluid can be axially transferred bythe another one of the plurality of channels from the first opening ofthe another one of the plurality of channels to one or more componentsof an automatic transmission through the sixth fluid passageway definedthrough the elongated shaft. The one or more components of an automatictransmission may include a torque transmitting mechanism coupled to theelongated shaft.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, an apparatus foraxially transferring fluid includes a first elongated member having anouter surface and an inner surface spaced from the outer surface, thefirst elongated member defining a first fluid passageway axiallytherethrough, a second elongated member received within the firstelongated member and defining a second fluid passageway axiallytherethrough, the second elongated member also having an outer surfaceand an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the first elongatedmember cooperates with the outer surface of the second elongated memberto define a plurality of channels extending longitudinally along atleast one of the first and second elongated members, each of theplurality of channels being located between the outer surface of thefirst elongated member and the inner surface of the second elongatedmember, a first opening defined in one of the first and second elongatedmembers, the first opening being configured to fluidly couple theapparatus to a fluid source, and a second opening defined in one of thefirst and second elongated members, the second opening being configuredto receive fluid transferred from the first opening through one of theplurality of channels.

The second opening may be configured to fluidly couple the apparatus toone or more components of an automatic transmission. The first andsecond openings may be defined in the first elongated member. The firstopening may be defined in the second elongated member and the secondopening may be defined in the first elongated member. The apparatus mayinclude a fourth fluid passageway coupling the first opening to thefluid source. The fourth fluid passageway may be located within thefirst fluid passageway. The fourth fluid passageway may be locatedadjacent the outer surface of the first elongated member. The pluralityof channels may be arranged symmetrically about one of the first andsecond elongated members. The plurality of channels may be arrangedasymmetrically about one of the first and second elongated members. Thefirst and/or the second elongated members may have a substantiallycircular cross-section. One or more of the first and second elongatedmembers may have a non-circular cross-section.

A longitudinal portion of the inner surface of the first elongatedmember may be joined to a longitudinal portion of the outer surface ofthe second elongated member to define one of the plurality of channels.The apparatus may include an elongated shaft defining a boretherethrough, wherein the first and second elongated members are locatedwithin the bore defined by the elongated shaft. The first elongatedmember may define a bore therethrough and the second elongated membermay be located within the bore defined by the first elongated member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of a portion of an automatictransmission showing one illustrative embodiment of an apparatus foraxially transferring fluids along an elongated path to a plurality oftransmission components.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 as viewedalong section lines 2-2.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional diagram similar to FIG. 1 and illustratingan alternate embodiment of the tube member illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional diagram of a portion of an automatictransmission showing an alternative embodiment of an apparatus foraxially transferring fluids along an elongated path to a plurality oftransmission components.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 4 as viewedalong section lines 5-5.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional diagram of yet another alternativeembodiment of an apparatus for axially transferring fluids along anelongated path to a plurality of components.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the elongated path of the apparatusof FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the elongated path of FIG. 7 asviewed along section lines 8-8.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the tube member illustrated in FIG.6.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 6 as viewedalong section lines 10-10.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional diagram of a portion of an automatictransmission showing another alternative embodiment of an apparatus foraxially transferring fluids along an elongated path to a plurality oftransmission components.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to a number of illustrativeembodiments shown in the attached drawings and specific language will beused to describe the same.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a cross-sectional diagram is shown of a portionof an automatic transmission showing one illustrative embodiment of anapparatus 100 for axially transferring fluids along an elongated path toa plurality of transmission components. In the illustrated embodiment,the elongated path takes the form of a shaft 110 defining a bore 113therethrough. Between one end 112 of the shaft 110 and a wall portion115 of the bore 113, the bore 113 defines one diameter 114, and betweenthe wall portion 115 and an opposite end (not shown) of the shaft 110,the bore 113 defines another diameter 116, wherein the diameter 114 isgenerally larger than the diameter 116. Illustratively, the diameter 114is sized to accommodate axial insertion of a tube member 120 therein.Along the shaft 110, a number of bores extend through an exteriorsurface thereof to the bore 113. In the illustrated embodiment, two suchbores 118A and 118B are identified. In one embodiment, the shaft formsone component of a transmission for a mobile vehicle, and the bores 118Aand 118B each lead to a fluid input of a fluid-controlled frictiondevice, e.g., a friction clutch, although this disclosure contemplatesembodiments in which the apparatus 100 is configured to axially transferfluid to other components. In any case, the shaft 110 is illustrativelyformed of a conventional metal, combination of metals or a metalcomposite, although this disclosure contemplates other embodiments inwhich the shaft 110 is formed of other materials and/or materialcombinations.

The tube member 120 is an elongated tubular structure that is axiallyreceived within the bore 113, e.g., between the end 112 of the shaft 110and the wall portion 115 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2,a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the tube member 120 is shownas viewed through section lines 2-2 of FIG. 1. In the illustratedembodiment, the tube member 120 is formed of a conventional hollow,metal tube or bar stock with an inner surface of one tube 124selectively joined to an outer surface of another tube 122. Generally,the inner surface of the tube 124 has a diameter that is larger than thediameter of the outer surface of the tube 122. In the illustratedembodiment, one portion 126 of the inner surface of the tube 124 islongitudinally joined to and along a corresponding portion of the outersurface of the tube 122, and another portion 128 of the inner surface ofthe tube 124 is longitudinally joined to and along a correspondingportion of the outer surface of the tube 122. Between the portions 126and 128, the remaining portions 130 and 132 of the tube 124 and thecorresponding portions of the outer surface of the tube 122 defineseparate, i.e., not fluidly connected, longitudinal or axial channels orpassageways 134 and 136 respectively therebetween that extendlongitudinally or axially along the tube member 120.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the ends of the tubes 122 and 124 arecircumferentially joined at 144 and 146. In the illustrated embodiment,the ends of the tube 122 and 124 are joined by deforming the oppositeends of the tube 124 toward the corresponding ends of the tube 122 andthen joining the ends of the tubes 122 and 124 using one or moreconventional joining techniques. In an alternate embodiment of theapparatus 100′ illustrated in FIG. 3, the ends of the tubes 122 and 124of the tube member 120′ adjacent to the end 112 of the shaft 110 arejoined at 146′ by deforming the end of the tube 122 toward the end ofthe tube 124 and the joining the ends of the tubes 122 and 124 using oneor more conventional joining techniques.

The tube member 120 is illustratively formed by selectively bending orpressing the tube 124, and the tubes 122 and 124 may be axially andcircumferentially joined using any one or more conventional joiningmedia and/or techniques. Examples include, but are not limited to,welding, spot welding, laser welding, using one or more adhesives and/orconventional fastening members, or the like.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the portions 126 and 128 of the outertube 124 each define an axial channel or passageway 138, 140,respectively, between the corresponding portion 126/128 and the innerdiameter 114 of the bore 113 of the shaft 110. The tube member 120 isillustratively press-fit into the bore 113 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, fluid may pass between thechannels 138, 140, and/or 142. The tube member 120 and shaft 110cooperate to axially define a number of separate fluid channels orpassageways therethrough: the two channels 134 and 136 defined betweenthe tubes 122 and 124, the channels 138 and 140 defined between the tube124 and the inner diameter 114 of the bore 113 of the shaft 110, and apassageway 142 defined axially through the tube 122. In an alternateembodiment, one or more sealing structures may be positioned between theportions 130 and 132 of the tube 124 and the inner diameter 114 of thebore 113 of the shaft 110 so that fluid may not pass between thechannels 138, 140, and/or 142. In this embodiment, the tube member 120and the shaft 110 thus cooperate to axially define 5 separate fluidchannels or passageways therethrough, the four channels 134, 136, 138and 140, and the passageway 142 (with fluid able to flow between/amongthe passages 138, 140, and/or 142, in the illustrated embodiment).Although the channels 134 and 136 are illustrated in FIG. 2 as beingasymmetrically positioned about the outer surface of the tube 122, itwill be understood that the channels 134 and 136 may alternatively bepositioned symmetrically about the outer surface of the tube 122. Itwill be further understood that while the tube member 122 illustrated inFIG. 2 defines two channels 134 and 136 between the tubes 124 and 122,this disclosure contemplates that more or fewer such channels may bealternatively formed between the tubes 122 and 124.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the inner tube 122 defines an opening 148into the channel 134, and the outer tube 124 also defines an opening 150into the channel 134 that is aligned with the bore 118A formed throughthe shaft 110. Fluid may thus pass axially along the tube member 120through the channel 134 between the openings 148 and 150.

The apparatus 100 further includes a manifold 160 that defines a numberof fluid passageways therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, forexample, a fluid passageway 162 extends into the manifold 160 and isfluidly coupled to another fluid passageway 165 that is fluidly coupledto the bore 113 of the shaft 110. Another fluid passageway 164 extendsinto the manifold 160 and is fluidly coupled to another fluid passageway168 that extends at least partially radially about the manifold 160. Yetanother fluid passageway 166 extends into the manifold 160 and isfluidly coupled to still another fluid passageway 170 that likewiseextends at least partially radially about the manifold 160 separatelyfrom the fluid passageway 168. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluidpassageway 170 is aligned with the opening 148 formed through the tube122 and extending into the channel 134. In the illustrated embodiment,fluid may thus be routed from the fluid passageway 166 of the manifold160 through the bore 118A of the shaft 110 via the fluid passageways170, 148, 134, 150 and 118A as illustrated in FIG. 1.

In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold 160 is held stationary andthe combination shaft 110 and tube member 120 rotate together about themanifold 160. The manifold 160 includes a number of conventional sealingmembers, e.g., sealing rings, 172 that are positioned as illustrated inFIG. 1 to keep fluids from axially leaking from the fluid passageways168 and 170 along the inner surface of the tube 122. In general, therelative positions of the shaft 110 and the tube member 120 areconfigured to maintain alignment of the fluid passageways (e.g. 118A,150). It will be understood, however, that this disclosure contemplatesembodiments in which the combination shaft 110 and tube member 120 areheld stationary and the manifold 160 rotates relative thereto, in whichthe manifold 160 and tube member 120 are stationary and the shaft 110rotates about the combination, in which the shaft 110 is stationary andthe combination manifold 160 and tube member 120 rotate about the shaft110, or in which the combination shaft 110 and tube member 120 and themanifold 160 are all stationary, as long as the requirements of theparticular design are met.

In one specific embodiment of the apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1,at least one of the channels 134 and 136 is illustratively used to routepressurized fluid to one or more torque transmitting mechanisms orfriction devices mounted to or fluidly coupled to the shaft 110, and thechannels 138 and 140 and the fluid passageway 142, as well as perhapsone of the channels 134 and 136, are illustratively used to routelubricating fluid to one or more torque transmitting mechanisms orfriction devices, and/or to the tube member 120 and shaft 110combination and/or to one or more other components.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional diagram is shown of a portionof an automatic transmission showing another illustrative embodiment ofan apparatus 200 for axially transferring fluids along an elongated pathto a plurality of transmission components. In FIG. 5, a cross-sectionalview of the tube member 220 is shown. Many of the components in theapparatus 200 are identical to those illustrated and describedhereinabove with respect to the apparatus 100, and like numbers (plus100) are used in FIG. 4 to identify like components. In the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tube member 220 differs from the tubemember 120 in that the tube member 220 defines an additional fluidchannel or passageway between the tubes 222 and 224, for a total ofthree such fluid channels or passageways 234, 236 and 238, and anadditional fluid channel or passageway between the outer tube 224 andthe inner diameter 214 of the bore 213 of the shaft 210 for a total ofthree such fluid channels or passageways 240A, 240B and 240C. The innerdiameter of the tube 222 defines an additional fluid channel orpassageway 242. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner tube 222additionally defines an air bleed hole 245 therethrough.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, a fluid source 280 is mountedto the manifold 260. Fluid entering a fluid port 282 may enter the fluidpassageway 264 of the manifold 260, fluid entering a fluid port 284 mayenter the fluid passageway 262, and fluid entering a fluid port 283 mayenter the fluid passageway 266. In the illustrated embodiment, twofriction devices 290 and 310 are mounted to the outer surface of theshaft 210, and the shaft 210 defines a number of bores therethroughbetween the outer and inner surface thereof for fluid coupling of thedevices 290 and 310 to the bore 213 of the shaft 210. For example, thefriction device 290 includes a friction apparatus 292, e.g., a clutchpack, which is fluidly coupled to a bore 300 via a fluid chamber 298.The fluid chamber 298 is fluidly coupled to the bore 213 of the shaft210 via a passageway, 302 or 322. The friction device 290 furtherincludes a friction device piston chamber 295 which is fluidly coupledto the fluid port 284 via the passageways 297, 256, 236, 249, 270, and262. The fluid passageway 238 connects the fluid from the fluid port 283to the fluid chamber 298 after filling the fluid chambers 294 and 314.To fill the fluid chambers 294 and 314, the fluid from the fluid port283 flows through the fluid passageways 266, 265, 213, 302 and 322, tothe chambers 294 and 314. Overflow from the chambers 294, 314 exitsthrough the passageways 296, 254, and 320, 258, respectively, into thepassageway 238. The fluid then exits from the passageway 238 through thepassageways 252, 300 and flows into the fluid chamber 298. While shownin phantom in FIG. 4, it will be appreciated that the openings 252, 254,256, and 258 are holes defined in the outer tube 224 that are alignedwith the passageways 300, 296, 297, 320, respectively, and radiallyspaced from the opening 250; and that the opening 249 is a hole definedin the inner tube 222 and radially spaced from the opening 248.

The friction device 290 further includes a balance cavity 294 which isfluidly coupled to a bore 302 that fluidly couples the cavity 294 to thebore 213 of the shaft 210. The friction device 310 likewise includes afriction apparatus 312, e.g., a clutch pack, and a friction devicepiston chamber 315. The chamber 315 is connected to the fluid port 282via the fluid passageways 316, 250, 234, 248, 268, and 264. The frictiondevice 310 further includes a balance cavity 314, which is fluidlycoupled to a bore 320 that fluidly couples the cavity 314 to the bore213 of the shaft 210 via a balance cavity feed bore 322.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the opening 248 defined by thetube 222 to the fluid channel 234 is aligned with the fluid passageway268 and the opening 250 defined by the tube 224 into the fluid channel234 is aligned with the bore 316 so that fluid entering the port 282 andthe fluid passageway 264 is routed axially along the tube member 222 tothe clutch piston chamber 315 via the fluid passageway 268, the fluidchannel 234 and the bore 316. The fluid channel 234 is thus used totransmit fluid, e.g., oil, from the stationary manifold 260 to thefriction device piston of the friction device 310 for actuation controlof the friction device 310. Another of the fluid channels 236 or 238 isused in like manner to transmit fluid, e.g., oil, from the stationarymanifold 260 to the friction device piston of the friction device 290for actuation control thereof. The third fluid channel 236 or 238illustratively serves as a fluid overflow cavity that reduces the innerdiameter of each annulus of rotating fluid, e.g., oil, to centrifugallybalance the friction device apply pistons. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, the balance cavities of the friction devices,e.g., 290 and 310, are fed from pressurized lubrication oil in thepassages, e.g., the fluid channel 240C, between the tube member 224 andthe inner surface 214 of the bore 213 of the shaft 210 (e.g., which issupplied via the fluid passageway 262 and through the fluid passagewayor channel 242 of the tube member 220). Once the balance cavities 294and 314 are filled, the fluid, e.g., oil, then flows through bores 296,320 formed through the shaft 210 and into the third fluid channel 236 or238. The fluid, e.g., oil, then exits the third fluid channel 236 or 238through bore 300 into the chamber 298 to cool the corresponding frictionapparatus 292. This reduced diameter of the annulus of rotating balancefluid, e.g., oil, creates a higher pressure head opposing the pressurehead created on the apply side of the friction device piston whichallows the shaft 210 to rotate at a higher speed before the frictiondevice apply piston begins to stroke. A higher shaft speed allows lowertorque to be transmitted through the shaft 210 which reduces gear andshaft loads as well as a corresponding size of such components.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-10, cross-sectional diagrams are shown of yetanother alternative embodiment of an apparatus 400 for axiallytransferring fluids along an elongated path to a plurality ofcomponents. The apparatus 400 may be configured for use in any of theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 and 11, or may alternatively beconfigured for use in one or more other applications. In the illustratedembodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the apparatus 400 includes a shaft 410having opposite ends 412 and 413, and defining a bore 414 therethrough.An elongated tube member 420 is configured to be axially received withinthe bore 414 of the shaft 410 such that one end of the tube member 420is positioned adjacent to the end 412 of the shaft 410.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the portion of the bore 414 that receivesthe tube member 420 defines a number of axial channels therein.Referring to FIG. 8, for example, the inner surface 414 of the shaft 410defines four channels 418A-418D therein that are symmetrically spacedfrom each other about the circumference of the bore 414. It will beappreciated, however, that more or fewer such channels, symmetricallyspaced or otherwise, may alternatively be formed in the inner surface414 of the shaft 410.

The tube member 420 is, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a single, hollow tubedefining a bore 422 therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, thetube member 420 is circular in cross-section and has constant diameterinner and outer surfaces. The apparatus 400 is assembled by insertingthe tube member 420 into the bore 414 at the end 412 of the shaft 410.The tube member 420 and the shaft 410 are configured such that the outersurface of the tube member 420 forms an interference fit with the bore414 defined through the shaft 410, and the terminal ends of the tubemember 420 form seals with the bore 414. The outer surface of the tubemember 420 and the surface of the bore 414 form separate fluid transfercavities or channels, e.g., 418A-418D, through which fluid can beaxially transferred.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a cross-sectional diagram is shown of aportion of an automatic transmission showing another illustrativeembodiment of an apparatus 500 for axially transferring fluids along anelongated path to a plurality of transmission components. Many of thecomponents in the apparatus 500 are similar or identical in structureand/or function to those illustrated and described hereinabove withrespect to the apparatus 100 and the apparatus 200, and like numbers(beginning with 500) are used in FIG. 11 to identify like components. Inthe embodiment illustrated of FIG. 11, fluid may be routed from thefluid passageways 562, 564 of the manifold 560 through the bores 518A,518B of the shaft 510 via the fluid passageways 570A, 570B, 548A, 548B,534, 540, 550A and 550B. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the tube member520 has an outer diameter 574 and an inner diameter 576, where the outerdiameter is larger than the inner diameter 576. Fluid may enter the tubemember 520 via openings 570A, 570B, which are adjacent the outerdiameter 574 of the tube 524. In other words, whereas in theabove-described embodiments fluid is supplied from an interior entrypoint (e.g. opening 148 of FIG. 1), in the embodiment of FIG. 11, fluidenters the tube member 520 from an exterior entry point (e.g. 548A,548B).

In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated path takes the form of ashaft 510 defining a bore 513 therethrough. Between one end 512 of theshaft 510 and a wall portion 515 of the bore 513, the bore 513 definesone diameter 514, and between the wall portion 515 and an opposite end(not shown) of the shaft 510, the bore 513 defines another diameter 516,wherein the diameter 514 is generally larger than the diameter 516.Illustratively, the diameter 514 is sized to accommodate axial insertionof the tube member 520 therein. Along the shaft 510, a number of boresextend through an exterior surface thereof to the bore 513. In theillustrated embodiment, two such bores 518A and 518B are identified. Inone embodiment, the shaft 510 forms one component of a transmission fora mobile vehicle, and the bores 518A and 518B each lead to a fluid inputof a fluid-controlled torque transmitting mechanism or friction device,e.g., a clutch, brake, or other torque transmitting device, althoughthis disclosure contemplates embodiments in which the apparatus 500 isconfigured to axially transfer fluid to other components. In any case,the shaft 510 is illustratively formed of a conventional metal,combination of metals or a metal composite, although this disclosurecontemplates other embodiments in which the shaft 510 is formed of othermaterials and/or material combinations.

The tube member 520 is an elongated tubular structure that is axiallyreceived within the bore 513, e.g., between the end 512 of the shaft 510and the wall portion 515 as illustrated in FIG. 11. In the illustratedembodiment, the tube member 520 is formed of a conventional hollow,metal tube or bar stock with an inner surface of one tube 524selectively joined to an outer surface of another tube 522. Generally,the inner surface of the tube 524 has a diameter that is larger than thediameter of the outer surface of the tube 522.

While not specifically shown in FIG. 11, one portion of the innersurface of the tube 524 is longitudinally joined to and along acorresponding portion of the outer surface of the tube 522, and anotherportion of the inner surface of the tube 524 is longitudinally joined toand along a corresponding portion of the outer surface of the tube 522,in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 2. The remaining portions of thetube 524 and the corresponding portions of the outer surface of the tube522 define separate, i.e., not fluidly connected, longitudinal or axialchannels or passageways respectively therebetween that extendlongitudinally or axially along the tube member 520, in a similar manneras shown in FIG. 2. It will be understood that the sectional view ofFIG. 11 is taken at a different location along the tube member 520 thanthe corresponding view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. For example, thesectional view of FIG. 11 is similar to a view across the channels orpassageways 134, 136 of FIG. 2. Also, it will be understood that anynumber of longitudinal or axial channels or passageways may be definedlongitudinally or axially along or through the tube member 520, as shownin FIGS. 2, 5, 6-10 or otherwise as may be needed for a given design.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the ends of the tubes 522 and 524 arecircumferentially joined at 544 and 546. In the illustrated embodiment,the ends of the tube 522 and 524 are joined by deforming (e.g. bendingor pressing) the opposite ends of the tube 524 toward the correspondingends of the tube 522 and then joining the ends of the tubes 522 and 524using one or more conventional joining techniques. In other embodiments,the ends of the tubes 522 and 524 of the tube member 520 adjacent to theend 512 of the shaft 510 may be joined at 546 by deforming the end ofthe tube 522 toward the end of the tube 524 and joining the ends of thetubes 522 and 524, in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 3, using one ormore conventional joining techniques. Examples of suitable joiningtechniques include, but are not limited to, welding, spot welding, laserwelding, using one or more adhesives and/or conventional fasteningmembers, or the like.

The manifold 560 defines a number of fluid passageways therethrough. Inthe illustrated embodiment, for example, the fluid passageway 562extends into the manifold 560 and is fluidly coupled to the fluidpassageway 570A, which extends at least partially radially about themanifold 560 and is fluidly coupled to the passageway 534. The fluidpassageway 564 extends into the manifold 560 and is fluidly coupled tothe fluid passageway 570B, which likewise extends at least partiallyradially about the manifold 560 separately from the fluid passageway570A. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid passageway 570A isaligned with the opening 548A formed through the tube 524 and extendinginto the channel 534. Similarly, the fluid passageway 570B is alignedwith the opening 548B formed through the tube 524 and extending into thechannel 540.

A fluid passageway 566 extends into the manifold 560 and is fluidlycoupled to the fluid passageway 570A. In the illustrated embodiment, thepassageway 566 provides lubricating fluid through the manifold 560.

In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold 560 is held stationary andthe combination shaft 510 and tube member 520 rotate together relativeto the manifold 560. In general, the relative positions of the shaft 510and the tube member 520 are configured to maintain alignment of thefluid passageways (e.g. 548A, 570A, 548B, 570B). It will be understood,however, that this disclosure contemplates embodiments in which thecombination shaft 510 and tube member 520 are held stationary and themanifold 560 rotates relative thereto, in which the manifold 560 andtube member 520 are stationary and the shaft 510 rotates about thecombination, in which the shaft 510 is stationary and the combinationmanifold 560 and tube member 520 rotate about the shaft 510, or in whichthe combination shaft 510 and tube member 520 and the manifold 560 areall stationary, as long as the requirements of the particular design aremet.

Also, as can be seen from FIG. 11, in the illustrated embodiment 500, atleast a portion of the combination shaft 510 and tube member 520 isinserted into the manifold 560, in contrast to the above describedembodiments, wherein at least a portion of the manifold (e.g. 160, 260)is inserted into one end of the combination shaft and tube member (e.g.110, 120; 210, 220). Whereas the fluid passageways (e.g. 162, 164; 262,264) are positioned within the bore (e.g. 113, 213), the fluidpassageways 562, 564 are positioned outside of the bore 513.

In one specific embodiment of the apparatus 500, at least one of thechannels 534 and 540 is illustratively used to route pressurized fluidto one or more torque transmitting mechanisms or friction devicesmounted to or fluidly coupled to the shaft 510, and others of the axialor longitudinal channels defined along the tube member 520, or perhapsone of the channels 534 and 540, may be used to route lubricating fluidto one or more torque transmitting mechanisms or friction devices,and/or to the tube member 520 and shaft 510 combination and/or to one ormore other components.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in theforegoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described andthat all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of theinvention are desired to be protected. For example, while the variousembodiments of the shaft 110, 210, 410, 510 and the tube member 120,220, 420, 520 are illustrated as being generally circular incross-section, this disclosure contemplates that any of the embodimentsof the shaft and the tube member may alternatively have cross-sectionsother than circular. Moreover, it will be understood that the fluidchannels or passageways defined between the inner and outer tubes in theembodiments illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 1-5 and 11may be symmetrically or non-symmetrically positioned about the tubemembers, and that the channels formed in the shaft of the embodimentillustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 6-10 may besymmetrically or non-symmetrically positioned about the inner surface ofthe shaft.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for axially transferring fluid,comprising: an elongated shaft defining a first fluid passageway axiallytherethrough, a second fluid passageway extending through the elongatedshaft from an outer surface of the elongated shaft into the first fluidpassageway, an elongated member defining a third fluid passagewayaxially therethrough, the elongated member received within the firstfluid passageway of the elongated shaft, a fourth fluid passagewayextending through the elongated shaft from an outer surface of theelongated shaft into the first fluid passageway, the fourth fluidpassageway being axially spaced from the second fluid passageway, thefourth fluid passageway being configured to receive fluid from a sourceof fluid, a plurality of channels defined by and extending axially alongone of the elongated tube member separate from the third fluidpassageway and the first fluid passageway between an inner surface ofthe first fluid passageway and an outer surface of the elongated tubemember, one of the plurality of channels defining a first opening nearone end thereof that aligns with the fourth passageway and a secondopening axially spaced from the first opening and that aligns with thesecond fluid passageway such that fluid can be axially transferred bythe one of the plurality of channels from the first opening through thesecond fluid passageway defined through the elongated shaft; and amanifold defining a fifth fluid passageway having one end configured tobe fluidly coupled to the source of fluid and an opposite end fluidlycoupled to the fourth fluid passageway such that fluid from the sourceof fluid can flow through the fifth fluid passageway to the at least oneof the plurality of channels.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein atleast a portion of the elongated tube member is received within themanifold.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of theelongated shaft and the elongated tube member are rotatable relative tothe manifold.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the manifold isstationary.
 5. An apparatus for axially transferring fluid, comprising:an elongated shaft defining a first fluid passageway axiallytherethrough, a second fluid passageway extending through the elongatedshaft from an outer surface of the elongated shaft into the first fluidpassageway, an elongated member defining a third fluid passagewayaxially therethrough, the elongated member received within the firstfluid passageway of the elongated shaft, a fourth fluid passagewayextending through the elongated shaft from an outer surface of theelongated shaft into the first fluid passageway, the fourth fluidpassageway being axially spaced from the second fluid passageway, thefourth fluid passageway being configured to receive fluid from a sourceof fluid, and a plurality of channels defined by and extending axiallyalong one of the elongated tube member separate from the third fluidpassageway and the first fluid passageway between an inner surface ofthe first fluid passageway and an outer surface of the elongated tubemember, one of the plurality of channels defining a first opening nearone end thereof that aligns with the fourth passageway and a secondopening axially spaced from the first opening and that aligns with thesecond fluid passageway such that fluid can be axially transferred bythe one of the plurality of channels from the first opening through thesecond fluid passageway defined through the elongated shaft, wherein theelongated shaft defines a sixth fluid passageway separate from thesecond fluid passageway and extending through the elongated shaft froman outer surface of the elongated shaft into the first fluid passageway,and wherein another one of the plurality of channels defines a firstopening near one end thereof that receives fluid from the source offluid and a second opening axially spaced apart from the first openingof the another one of the plurality of channels that aligns with thesixth fluid passageway such that fluid can be axially transferred by theanother one of the plurality of channels from the first opening of theanother one of the plurality of channels to one or more components of anautomatic transmission through the sixth fluid passageway definedthrough the elongated shaft.
 6. An apparatus for axially transferringfluid, comprising: an elongated shaft defining a first fluid passagewayaxially therethrough, a second fluid passageway extending through theelongated shaft from an outer surface of the elongated shaft into thefirst fluid passageway, an elongated member defining a third fluidpassageway axially therethrough, the elongated member received withinthe first fluid passageway of the elongated shaft, a fourth fluidpassageway extending through the elongated shaft from an outer surfaceof the elongated shaft into the first fluid passageway, the fourth fluidpassageway being axially spaced from the second fluid passageway, thefourth fluid passageway being configured to receive fluid from a sourceof fluid, and a plurality of channels defined by and extending axiallyalong one of the elongated tube member separate from the third fluidpassageway and the first fluid passageway between an inner surface ofthe first fluid passageway and an outer surface of the elongated tubemember, one of the plurality of channels defining a first opening nearone end thereof that aligns with the fourth passageway and a secondopening axially spaced from the first opening and that aligns with thesecond fluid passageway such that fluid can be axially transferred bythe one of the plurality of channels from the first opening through thesecond fluid passageway defined through the elongated shaft, wherein thesecond fluid passageway is fluidly coupled to a component of anautomatic transmission and the one or more components of an automatictransmission comprises a torque transmitting mechanism coupled to theelongated shaft.
 7. An apparatus for axially transferring fluid,comprising: a first elongated member having an outer surface and aninner surface spaced from the outer surface, the first elongated memberdefining a first fluid passageway axially therethrough, a secondelongated member received within the first elongated member and defininga second fluid passageway axially therethrough, the second elongatedmember also having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein theinner surface of the first elongated member cooperates with the outersurface of the second elongated member to define a plurality of channelsextending longitudinally along at least one of the first and secondelongated members, each of the plurality of channels being locatedbetween the outer surface of the first elongated member and the innersurface of the second elongated member, a first opening defined in oneof the first and second elongated members, the first opening beingconfigured to fluidly couple the apparatus to a fluid source, and asecond opening defined in one of the first and second elongated members,the second opening being configured to receive fluid transferred fromthe first opening through one of the plurality of channels.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the second opening is configured tofluidly couple the apparatus to one or more components of an automatictransmission.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first and secondopenings are both defined in the first elongated member.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the first opening is defined in the secondelongated member and the second opening is defined in the firstelongated member.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7, comprising a fourthfluid passageway coupling the first opening to the fluid source.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the fourth fluid passageway is locatedwithin the first fluid passageway.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein the fourth fluid passageway is located adjacent the outersurface of the first elongated member.
 14. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein the plurality of channels are arranged symmetrically about oneof the first and second elongated members.
 15. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein the plurality of channels are arranged asymmetrically about oneof the first and second elongated members.
 16. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein at least one of the first and second elongated members has asubstantially circular cross-section.
 17. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein at least one of the first and second elongated members has anon-circular cross-section.
 18. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein alongitudinal portion of the inner surface of the first elongated memberis joined to a longitudinal portion of the outer surface of the secondelongated member to define one of the plurality of channels.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 7, comprising an elongated shaft defining a boretherethrough, wherein the first and second elongated members are locatedwithin the bore defined by the elongated shaft.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the first elongated member defines a bore therethroughand the second elongated member is located within the bore defined bythe first elongated member.